When Trouble Comes Knocking

"Oh my god," Syd whispered and Jack looked up sharply, not at all liking his fiancée's unnatural paleness or her stricken expression as she clutched at the phone.

"What's wrong?" he asked and when he got no reply other than a brief shake of the head, he took the phone out of her hands. "Hello?"

"Jack? How's my girl?" Jonathan Drew. Syd's father. Jack relaxed a little.

"She's a little freaked by the looks of it. What's wrong?"

"Laura's in hospital," was the controlled reply. "She collapsed at home half an hour ago."

Jack muttered a brief curse under his breath. "How is she?" he asked, his eyes flickering over Syd as she revived a little and headed immediately for the bedroom. No doubt to start packing.

"Stable."

Jack sighed with relief. He had his differences with Syd's mother, not least because Laura Drew didn't approve of him and had made that very clear, along with pointed barbs about how Sydney could do so much better, but that didn't mean he wanted anything to happen to the woman. Nor did he want Syd to remain on such bad terms with her mother simply because of him. Family was important and he didn't want to come between Syd and hers.

"Good to hear," he said honestly. "Look, I think Syd's packing already so it looks like you're getting company."

"Are you coming as well?"

Jack's eyebrows rose. "You think I'd let her deal with this on her own?"

"No." If the situation hadn't been so serious Jack would have sworn he heard a smile in the older man's voice. "Look after my little girl, Jack."

"I intend to." Jack winced at the crash and creative cursing that erupted out of the bedroom. "I guess we'll see you soon," he added hastily. "Talk to you later."

"Bye, Jack."

"Bye." He hung up the phone and cautiously made his way over to the bedroom. Sticking his head through the closed door, he regarded the view warily. Syd's small suitcase was open on the bed and the room was covered by clothes. Syd was sitting on the edge of the bed looking lost, belying the crash and cursing of a few minutes ago. "Want some help?" he offered and she looked over at him, blue eyes shining with unshed tears. That was all it took and he stepped inside, heading straight for the bed and wrapping his arms around her. "She'll be alright," he murmured, rubbing her shoulders encouragingly as he did so. "Your dad says she's stable."

"I know."

"Okay," he said calmly, "how about I call Z and let her know you won't be around for a few days and then I'll help you pack. Sound good?"

Syd nodded. "Sure."

Dropping a quick kiss on her forehead, he squeezed her shoulder reassuringly and went to pick up the phone again.